In his speech, Angel Ngu noted that as one of the first National Historical and Cultural Cities in China, Quanzhou is the first World Multicultural Exhibition Center established by UNESCO globally. It is also the hometown of the vast majority of Chinese in the Philippines, and overseas Chinese in the Philippines hold a special sense of affinity for it.
Quanzhou is the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, a famous hometown of overseas Chinese, and the birthplace of Minnan culture. Hundreds of years ago, people from Quanzhou began migrating to the Philippines. To date, there are 1.2 million people of Quanzhou descent living in the Philippines. Quanzhou's selection as the inaugural "East Asian Capital of Culture" has further increased the attention paid to its Minnan culture.
"Quanzhou is one of the most important birthplaces of Minnan culture. The photos displayed in this exhibition have high historical value. I hope this will deepen the understanding of Quanzhou culture and Minnan culture among our fellow countrymen in the Philippines and enhance their love for their hometown," stated Angel Ngu.
